Suresh Raina is one of the most well-known players in IPL history. Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, Raina was a mainstay for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and commonly referred to as Mr. IPL. Raina helped CSK become one of the most efficient franchises in the IPL.
During Suresh Raina’s successful IPL journey, he scored 5,528 runs with 1 century and 39 fifties. For CSK, he scored 4,867 runs, making him the second leading run-scorer of the franchise, just two runs behind MS Dhoni’s 4,865.
Massive Hint on Comeback: Will Suresh Raina Join CSK in 2026?
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In a live commentary session for the match between CSK and Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, Suresh Raina dropped a cryptic but thrilling update, which has caused huge gossip among fans. Alongside commentators Sanjay Bangar and Aakash Chopra, Raina was discussing possible shifts in the CSK lineup for the coming season.
Aakash Chopra inquired of Raina whether the initials of CSK’s next batting coach begin with “S”, and Raina jokingly replied, “He has made the fastest fifty (laughs).” This seems to be a reference to himself, alluding to Suresh Raina’s record of a 16-ball fifty against Punjab Kings in 2014.
Batting Coach Job in IPL 2026?
Even though nothing has been officially announced, the speculation heavily suggests Suresh Raina might be joining the CSK staff as a batting coach for the 2026 season of the IPL. Mike Hussey is currently in this position, but Raina’s background and history with the franchise immediately qualify him to guide the next generation.
Current Batting Coach and Raina’s Potential Role
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During Suresh Raina’s successful IPL journey, he scored 5,528 runs with 1 century and 39 fifties. For CSK, he scored 4,867 runs, making him the second leading run-scorer of the franchise, just two runs behind MS Dhoni’s 4,865.
Suresh Raina’s Impact on CSK Over the Years
Raina’s contributions to CSK are the stuff of legend. Besides his explosive batting, he was a good fielder and a part-time bowler, hence a complete T20 package. While CSK was suspended from competition in 2016 and 2017, Raina played for Gujarat Lions but made a great comeback to Chennai in 2018.
Even though his previous season with IPL was in 2021, Raina is still the heartbeat of CSK for so many and a lovingly referred to ‘Chinna Thala’.
CSK’s Disastrous IPL 2025 Campaign
Chennai Super Kings had a poor season in IPL 2025, achieving just four victories out of 14 matches, their worst performance in 18 years. After Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured, MS Dhoni took over captaincy again, but even he could not turn CSK’s fortunes around, and they finished at the foot of the points table.
What Suresh Raina’s Return Might Signify for CSK in IPL 2026
The probable return of Suresh Raina as a batting coach or mentor can be just what the Chennai Super Kings need to rebuild. There are so many reasons for me that Suresh Raina brings back supremely wealth of experience, long-term loyalty to the franchise, and he has unique insight from his experiences playing the game that can make a difference with the team going into the IPL 2026 tournament.
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